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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jasper County to host bowling event

By Matthew Shepard Daily News Staff Writer

April 26, 2013

Bowling fans will be able to play and donate for a good cause as the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jasper County will be holding a “Bowl for Kids’ Sake” fundraiser at Cardinal Lanes, starting Sunday at 1 p.m.

The event will take place over the course of three days, and BBBS Jasper County Director Rita Baker said the Monday night event, which is from 6 to 8 p.m. with another time slot available for reservation from 8 to 10 p.m., will be the biggest of the three.

“Monday night is the fun event,” she said. “People get a little crazy.

Sunday afternoon is more for the children (or for) the groups that can’t do Monday night.

When asked about how people “get a little crazy,” she explained it is corporate night and people just act goofy.

Baker said the third night, which takes place Friday, May 5, from 1 to 3 p.m., will involve participation from high school students and is something the organization has never done before.

Because the program has county high school students participating in it, Baker explained, it seemed like a logical choice to try out an event aimed specifically at high school students. The event will also have music provided by a DJ.

The events will also feature prize drawings.

While Baker explained that BBBSIA does not have a specific fundraising goal in mind for the event, the funds raised are vital to the program.

“We need to raise more money this year than last year to keep the programs,” she said. “This and golf are our two major fundraisers.”

Baker said both the program and fundraiser event donation accumulations have increased over the years, and said the demand for BBBSIA’s services has grown. This expansion has led to a problem for the organization — a lack of volunteers.

“We are in desperate need of male mentors,” she said. “We got a waiting list of little boys who are waiting for a big brother. And most people don’t know that you can do it with a friend, significant other, spouse, (or) a family. It doesn’t take all that much time, really.”

Baker said the minimum time requirement is four hours and two meetings a month, but often hears about volunteers donate more time than required.

“If you watch a weekly television show that is one hour long, you can take those four hours and change the life of a child,” Baker said.

The event is open to the public and walk-ins are welcome. Baker also said she hopes more people will officially sign-up, so the event will have a more accurate head count.

BBBSIA is asking teams of four to six bowlers to each raise a minimum of $50 for the event. Bowlers who raise $100 will be entered into a prize drawing.

For those who find it difficult to raise the admission fee, BBBSIA will provide tips on how to raise funds in its information packet given at its location, near the town square.

Those who reach his or her’s fundraising goal will be rewarded with items such as a t-shirt with a number of local businesses who sponsored the event.

For more information or to volunteer, contact BBBSIA at (641) 792-4077 or visit them at 205 First Ave. W. # 2.

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